There was a game like that. I forget what it was called, but it took place on a space station.
You designed the station, SimCity-like, and controlled the interactions between the crew and the alien species, like The Sims.
It looked kinda cool for that type of game,.. which I never got into.

If I ever come across the name of it I'll let you know.

EDIT: It is called "Space Colony." Not that old,.. might still be around. Got good reviews.

It also appears that the Sims might be doing an offical Space-Station themed game as well.